VICE President Sara Duterte said that the divided Senate is a “reflection” of the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the current direction of the country.
During her visit to the earthquake victims in General Santos City on Wednesday, reporters asked Duterte for her opinion on the current Senate with two leaders: Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
“Everyone recognizes what true leadership direction looks like; when there is no clear direction or vision, people naturally scatter and fend for themselves. That is exactly what we are witnessing right now — not just in the Senate, but across the entire nation,” Duterte said in Filipino.
She urged the two factions to discuss their priorities and their work according to the Constitution.
Duterte did not comment on whether she recognizes the Gatchalian bloc as the new majority, saying the Supreme Court should determine the legality of the issue.
Asked whether she is preparing for her upcoming impeachment trial, Duterte said she would follow the counsel of her lawyers.
In an earlier statement, Duterte accused the Marcos administration of “protecting power” rather than serving the people by removing “any form of opposition” against the government.
“We see how government institutions and the people’s money are being used against any form of opposition. Instead of focusing on the real problems faced by our fellow citizens, power is being used to silence the voices of dissent,” Duterte said.
“Good governance does not require the elimination of opposition. Democracy works best when there is a healthy opposition that is free to question,” Duterte said.
The vice president expressed her condolences to the families of those who died in the quake.
“Since there is no warning, the most effective defense we have is preparing ourselves for the moment the earthquake strikes. By knowing exactly what to do when the ground starts shaking, we can avoid panicking and ensure that our response is instinctive and focused,” Duterte said.
